New Resident Guide
Your Ocala move-in checklist
The practical first-month list: utilities, paperwork, and the local quirks worth knowing, with links straight to the official sources.
HomeNew Resident Guide
Not moved yet? Relocating to Ocala covers what to weigh before you go: the tax bill, insurance, HOA and CDD, the deadlines, and the communities in the area.
Set up electric service
SECO Energy serves much of the county and Ocala Electric Utility serves inside the city, so confirm the provider for your exact address. Start with SECO Energy ((352) 793-3801).
Water & trash
Water: Marion County Utilities, the City of Ocala, or a private utility, depending on address. Trash and recycling: County franchise hauler (city service inside Ocala). Your closing or lease paperwork usually names the exact providers; when in doubt, ask Marion County Government.
Internet
Spectrum and AT&T are the most common providers. Availability is address-specific, so run each provider's address check before scheduling installation.
Florida driver license & vehicle registration
New residents have 30 days to get a Florida driver license and 10 days to register vehicles once employed or enrolled. Start at FLHSMV; local service is through the Marion County Tax Collector.
Register to vote
Update your registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
File for the homestead exemption
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $51,411 for the 2026 tax year: $25,000 against all levies including school taxes, plus $26,411 against non-school taxes only. That second amount is adjusted for inflation every January 1, so confirm the current year's figure with the county property appraiser. File by March 1. File with the Marion County Property Appraiser. More on the cost-of-living page.
Verify your schools
Assignments can differ street by street. Verify any address with Marion County Public Schools before you commit. More on the schools page.
Get storm ready
Florida living includes hurricane season. Start with the Storm Ready page — live alerts, the kit, shelters, and pets.
Good to know
Ocala questions
What is the Florida homestead exemption and when do I file?
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $51,411 for the 2026 tax year: $25,000 against all levies including school taxes, plus $26,411 against non-school taxes only. That second amount is adjusted for inflation every January 1, so confirm the current year's figure with the county property appraiser. File by March 1. In Marion County you file with the Marion County Property Appraiser.
How do I find out which schools serve my address?
School assignments are set by Marion County Public Schools and can differ street by street, so never rely on a listing or hearsay. Use the district's official address-lookup tools to verify before you commit to a home.
Which electric company will I have?
SECO Energy serves much of the county and Ocala Electric Utility serves inside the city, so confirm the provider for your exact address.
What county is Ocala in?
Ocala is in Marion County, Florida, an inland county. The county determines your property taxes, school district, and most local services — the Marion County Property Appraiser is the authoritative source for any specific parcel.
Will my home have an HOA or CDD?
It depends on the community: many newer neighborhoods carry an HOA, a CDD, or both, while older areas may have neither, and the costs differ meaningfully. Our HOA & CDD guide explains how to check any property before you buy.
How worried should I be about hurricanes?
Hurricane season runs June through November and preparation is a normal part of Florida life. Marion County is inland with no storm-surge evacuation zones; wind, rain, and power outages are the main planning points. Our Storm Ready page keeps live alerts and the checklist in one place.
How far is Ocala from Orlando?
Roughly 80 miles northwest, about an hour and a half by car via I-75 and the Florida Turnpike depending on traffic. Many residents treat Orlando as an occasional trip rather than a commute.
Why is Ocala called horse country?
Marion County's pastures support hundreds of horse farms and the industry that goes with them, and the World Equestrian Center hosts shows most weeks of the year. It is one of the world's major Thoroughbred and show-horse regions.
Are the springs swimmable year-round?
The springs hold about 72°F all year, so yes — though hours, capacity limits, and swim areas are managed by the parks. Check the official park pages on our Springs guide before you go.
Take it with you
Email me the move-in essentials
One email with the guide, the printable one-pager, and Storm Ready. Occasional Ocala updates after that — unsubscribe anytime.